Mohamed Salah etched his name in the Egyptian football history as the Pharaohs came from behind to down New Zealand 3-1 in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Yankee Scores reports.
Mostafa Zico, Salah and Trezeguet were on target as Egypt picked up their first FIFA World Cup triumph in their maiden appearance at the finals in 92 years.
What a night for Egypt! Their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory 🏆 pic.twitter.com/wFcffOKmL8
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 22, 2026
The All Whites got off to a dream start when Finn Surman headed home from a Tim Payne corner in the 15th minute to send New Zealand’s fans into raptures.
But the lead didn’t last, Egypt moved into the game and in the 58th minute Mostafa Zico grabbed an equaliser, finding space for a header that goalkeeper Max Crocombe got a touch to but could not keep out.
Salah then put Egypt ahead in the 67th minute with his 68th international goal, a backheel assist from Zico, with the Liverpool captain pumping his fist before being mobbed by his teammates. The goal took him over coach Hossam Hasssan’s all-time scoring record for Egypt, ESPN reported.
Our 5th goalscorer in our World Cup history 🤩🇪🇬#egyptnt#FIFAWORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/DL9pTpKC04
— Egypt National Team (@EgyptNT_EN) June 22, 2026
Trezeguet finished it off with a diving header less than 10 minutes from stoppage time to complete a spectacular second-half turnaround.
Egypt climb to the top of Group G and will secure a place in the knockout rounds with a draw or better against Iran in their last group game.
New Zealand, yet to win a game at the World Cup after eight matches, need to beat Belgium to keep their last-16 chances alive.
